Battle of the Beatens

If you don’t have the NFL Network on your TV system this week, that might be a good thing. It would be difficult to come up with a worse matchup than Jacksonville hosting Houston.

Because every team must play a Thursday game under NFL scheduling rules, this AFC South snoozer is on the docket. The loser will have the inside track to the top overall draft pick next spring, particularly if it’s Houston (2-10, No. 32 in the AP Pro32). The Texans are the only team with just two wins.

Jacksonville (3-9, No. 29 AP Pro32) has won three of its last four after starting 0-8 but is a 3-point underdog to a team that has dropped a franchise-record 10 straight games.

“It’s the NFL. You’re going to win or lose each week,” Jaguars receiver Cecil Shorts said after hearing belittling comments from vanquished opponents. “You’ve got to bring your best that week. For us, we’re getting better. We’ve been 3-1 since the bye week, so if they’ve got a problem with it, come see us. That’s how I feel about it.”

Here’s how we feel about it: JAGUARS, 19-17

No. 12 Dallas (pick-em) at No. 16 Chicago, Monday night: What’s more dangerous than trusting Dallas? How about making Cowboys the best bet?

BEST BET: COWBOYS, 33-30

No. 28 Oakland (plus 2½) at No. 23 New York Jets: Don’t think Jets should be favored over anybody.

UPSET SPECIAL: RAIDERS, 14-6

No. 3 (tie) Carolina (plus 4) at No. 5 New Orleans: Angry Saints get some home cooking to soothe them.